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Neurokinship Neuroaffirming Stories, Information, SEASONAL MAGAZINE Services & Events In Melbourne's East

Letter from the Editor NeuroKinship is published by The Local Umbrella, led by social worker and entrepreneur Robyn Killey.

As an organisation, we believe in building community connection and individual capacity through listening, learning and growing together.

This magazine brings our community stories, collective wisdom, local services and lived experience perspectives together in one place.

Our hope is that this will serve to equip and empower our community, bringing about greater acceptance of diversity, more knowledge about living with and supporting psychosocial disabilities, and a recognition of the joys and struggles we all face day to day.

If you'd like to advertise with us, recommend services to feature, or share your story, please email admin@thelocalumbrella.com.au

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WINTER EDITION Letter from the Editor

Page 1

Service Spotlight | The Local Umbrella

Page 3

Article | Unpacking Parallel Play

Page 4

Service Spotlight | Blossom Paediatric Physio

Page 5

Brain Break | Spot The Difference and Riddle

Page 6

Service Spotlight | The Side by Side Collective

Page 7

Article | Creating Inviting Play Spaces

Page 8

Reflective Moment | Difficult Moment Mantras

Page 9

Activity Highlight | Tinker Time

Page 10

Brain Break | Mindful Colouring

Page 11

Service Spotlight | Your Next Steps

Page 12

Community Knowledge | Latest Product Picks

Page 13

Feature | New to NDIS? The Basics Explained

Page 14

Community Knowledge | Neuroaffirming Services

Page 16

Brain Break | Quote Page

Page 17

Activity Spotlight | Create & Chat Art Group

Page 18

Brain Break | Mindful Colouring

Page 19

Community Knowledge | Winter Book List

Page 20

Reflective Moment | Tree of Life Reflection

Page 21

Feature | Navigating Relationships and Red Flags

Page 22

Brain Break | Crossword and Word Wheel

Page 25

Service Spotlight | Choice Mental Health

Page 26

Activity Spotlight | Kaleidoscope Supported Events

Page 27

Reflective Moment | Notes and Reflective Prompts

Page 28

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Come just as you are.

We'll make the coffee.

Embracing Neurodiversity.

Supporting Sensory Needs.

Creating Pathways to Employment.

Bringing the Community Together NeuroKinship Winter 2023

Sensory Friendly Cafe & Community Support 3

U N P A C K I N G P A R A L L E L P L A Y What is parallel play?

Playing independently in the presence of another person. When focusing on neurodivergent young people, this concept often refers to side-by-side play with no pressure or expectation to engage or interact.

Why is it preferred for many neurodivergent kids?

Neurodivergent kids often have special interests, and prefer to play in a particular way. There can be many underlying social expectations and unspoken social roles in collaborative play, which can be difficult to understand, and stressful to navigate. Learning through play alongside others can encourage connection, without forcing interaction How do social connections form through parallel play?

When children find shared interests and commonalities, natural engagement is more likely to form.

There can often be an unintentional expectation from parents and caregivers for 'connection' with peers to occur in a way that is more familiar or typical for them. The reality is that everyone's experience of the world is different, and while encouraging some level of engagement in the social world is healthy and important, it may look different than some of us imagined. Friendships may form through online communication, experiencing the world alongside one another, finding a loved special interest to discuss, or feeling secure in the same physical space while undertaking separate tasks.

What are some affirming ways to encourage & support parallel play?

Observe, Listen, Support, Affirm. Allow your child to take the lead, and listen when they share what makes them most comfortable. When introducing new environments or groups of people, offer options for parallel play or active engagement; majority of the time your child will gravitate toward what is most comfortable for them in each scenario. Allow for supported times of play with others, keeping the pressure and demands low, and the option for independent play available.

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Blossom Paediatric Physiotherapy works with children from 0 - 12 years old.

Director and therapist Emma has a special interest in providing effective and meaningful intervention and advocacy for infants and toddlers from 0-3 years old with developmental delays and neurological conditions.

Emma also has years of experience working with children with a range of diagnosis including genetic conditions, orthopaedic concerns, ASD and ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Pain, and much more.

At Blossom, functional, play based therapy is used to support children in achieving their goals.

Using thorough assessments we determine the most relevant and effective approach to take to progress and support healthy development.

Providing education and building the skills of the child's parents, guardians and care givers is an essential part of our work, and ensures the child is receiving therapeutic interventions across their day for the best outcome.

Blossom Paediatric Physiotherapy has a clinic within Croydon Medical Centre, as well as providing mobile physiotherapy services within the City of Maroondah, Yarra Ranges Shire, City of Knox, City of Whitehorse and City of Monash.

Services can be accessed using NDIS funding for eligible participants. as well as through Medicare, Private Health Insurance and private funding.

Assessments and reports can be completed for NDIS applications and reviews.

"Emma's passion for supporting families to thrive is so clear from the way she engages and delivers support. When it comes to allied health professionals, she's definitely one of the good ones."

Social Worker in Collaborative Care Team

"She actually listened to me and gave suggestions and strategies that suited my child, and worked!"

Mum of 3 year old NDIS participant accessing Early Intervention Supports

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Spot the 7 differences between these pictures

Here is a series of numbers.

What is the next number in the sequence?

1, 11, 21, 1211, 111221, 312211, ?

1.Moon 2. Missing Bush 3. Grass Colour 4. Shooting Star Trail Colour 5. Added flower 6. Missing Leg 7. Missing Horn, Sequence: 13112221

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THE

Side by side

COLLECTIVE

Supporting neurodivergent young people and their families to engage in community life and access support networks Connecting, advising, supporting and facilitating inclusion & nuanced engagement in schools, businesses and the wider community through an affirming and non-ableist lens

To get involved, request delivery of staff training or seek advocacy services from our social support team, please email thesidebysidecollective@gmail.com NeuroKinship Winter 2023

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CRE ATI NG

NG I T I V N I

PLAY

ES C A SP

1. Think about height and accessibility. Getting down and viewing the world from their perspective can be a really helpful way to choose where things go. Then arrange shelves, toys, posters etc. to be easily accessed and viewed. This can also increase independence and ownership over the space for children, and help with tidy up time!

2. Less is more. Reduce the volume of toys and furniture and avoid visual clutter. Whether you do toy rotation, have all items on display, or use tubs/cupboards, children (and adults!) are more creative and engage more actively in play when there are less options. This also allows more space for activities, movement of items, additions of new toys.

The added positive effect is that blank space around items allows 'breathing room' and reduces overwhelm from sensory input.

3. Having indoor plants in or near your play space can help reduce stress and calm the nervous system, for children and adults alike. Snake plants and succulents are a hardy option, and children may like to assist with caring for the plants too. (For kids who are more boisterous or in the 'dumping' phase, you may consider heavier stones on top of soil, or fake plants as a first step.

4. Stock with games and activities your kids are into, not what you wish they were into.

Some options to extend play are a good idea, but ensure that your play space is meeting the interests and needs of its users in their current stage.

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DIFFICULT MOMENT

MANTRAS BREATHING IN 'I AM OKAY' BREATHING OUT 'I WILL BE OKAY'

My child is having a hard time, not giving me a hard time.

No matter what today brings, I know I am valuable and I am doing my best.

MOMENT BY MOMENT. WHAT IS MY BEST CHOICE FOR THIS MOMENT I AM IN?

I can ask for help when I need it, that is bravery and self-compassion, not weakness.

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Tuesday Tinker Time!

Morning Session | 2- 5 year olds | 11am- 12pm Afternoon Session | 5-12 year olds | 4pm- 5pm Location: The Local Umbrella, Croydon Cost: $20 per session Bookings & Enquiries: www.thelocalumbrella.com.au

Join our tinkering facilitators as we ask big questions, explore little details, observe actions and reactions, get curious and create & connect with an open mind!

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Support Coordination and NDIS Consultancy shannon@yournextsteps.co (03) 8736 1705 www.yournextsteps.co

A local service where Neurodivergent Support Coordinators partner with you to engage a Neuro-Affirming Support Team that works toward your goals

We are Cassandra (she/her) and Shannon (he/him/they/them), and we provide support coordination and NDIS consultancy.

Essentially, we’re your NDIS problem-solvers, here to work through roadblocks and get your NDIS experience back on track.

We work from our office in the Building Better Brains suite on Croydon Main St (just down the road from The Local Umbrella) and via telehealth.

All you need to do is make an appointment, bring along your plan and to-do list; and we’ll sit together and work through it one step at a time. We know lots of amazing local and telehealth providers who are neuro-affirming, so we can help you put together a strong team to support you.

Both of us are neurodivergent and so are our children, so we have a specific focus on supporting other neurodivergent people and families.

We are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have experience supporting and advocating for trans and gender-diverse people at work, school and in the community.

You can get in touch via phone (03 8736 1705) or email (shannon@yournextsteps.co), depending on what is most comfortable for you.

We look forward to helping you with your NDIS journey!

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Latest Picks for Sensory Support Loop Earplugs Price Range: $35-$90

01

These fantastic ear plugs filter noise to reduce auditory input and decrease sensory overwhelm. With a range of options suited to different needs and environments, these are a great, discreet alternative to ear muffs or noise cancelling headphones.

This cushioned mat is a must-have in any home, especially for those who enjoy sensory feedback while moving and relaxing. Easy to vacuum, wipe and steam, this rug is perfect for the lounge room, play area or bedroom, offering such wonderful plush comfort and warmth you won't want to get up off the floor!

Neptune Mellow Mat Price Range $189-$469

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Spiky Acupressure Rings Price Range: $1-$5

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These simple spiky rings provide deep pressure input when rolled up and down on the fingers.

They are an affordable little addition to your sensory toolkit, and come in a range of colours.

Huskee Keep Cups Price Range $10-25 The coffee-lovers trifecta- support your fidgeting needs, support the environment, and keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Made from a biopolymer utilising recycled coffee husk, this keep cup features a ridged design which reduces heat exposure, while also providing a stimulating sensory experience.

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NEW TO THE NDIS? The Basics Explained Self-managed, Plan-managed or NDIA-managed: What's the difference?

Self-Management means you are responsible as a participant, or nominee, for managing your NDIS funds.

This gives you the choice and flexibity of choosing your providers, negotiating costs and choosing how your funding is spent, in line with your goals and the NDIS guidelines. This means you will often pay for services up front and be reimbursed by the NDIS after submitting receipts/invoices through your NDIS portal.

Plan-management means that all supports are invoiced through a designated plan manager. They are responsible for paying invoices and claiming these funds from the NDIS. They will help to keep track of your budget and ensure services utilised align with your allocated budget.

Agency-management means the NDIA itself manages your funding and supports. You will be guided by the NDIA through options of local registered service providers, however funding is locked in through service bookings and there is less autonomy and transparency for participants.

Core, Capacity Building & Capital Support Budgets.

What are they used for?

Core supports are those that help with everyday activities, this includes consumables, support workers, cleaning and maintenance, and transport. This funding can be used flexibly across the different categories.

Capacity Building Supports help to increase your independance and skills. This includes therapies, skill development training for community participation, finding a job, imporiving health and well-being, and also includes support coordination and plan management.

Capital Supports are for assistance technology and home modifications related to your disability. This may include wheelchairs, personal care aids, communication devices, and modifications such as ramps, hand rails, renovations or specialist disability accomodation.

What is an LAC (Local Area Coordinator)?

What support do they provide?

Your LAC will often be your first point of contact with the NDIS. They will help develop your plan, connect you with community supports, monitor your plan and undertake plan reviews. They also provide an important role in engaging with local organisations, communities and local government to raise awareness and improve opportunities for people with disability to access and participate in community activities. It is important to note that LAC's do not provide case management, and for those requiring additional support to engage services and manage their plan, usually funding will be allocated for support coordination or psychosocial recovery coaching.

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NEW TO THE NDIS? The Basics Explained Registered vs Unregistered Providers.

Does it matter who supports us?

If you are NDIA-managed, only registered NDIS Providers can deliver approved supports to participants.

For self-managed and plan-managed participants, support can be utilised from both registered and unregistered providers. Providers who are registered with the NDIA have been through an approval process, and can claim payments directly from the NDIS. Unregistered providers will invoice either the plan manager, or the participant to manually claim funds. Being registered does not necessarily mean better service provision, however it does mean these services are more highly monitored by the NDIA.

Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches.

What do they do?

Recovery coaches work with participants, their families, carers, support services and other organisations to coordinate supports and make sure participants get the most out of their NDIS plan.

Recovery coaches share some of the role of support coordinators but have an expert understanding of mental health and the challenges faced by people with psychosocial disabilities and so can deliver more targeted coordination.

General NDIS Enquiries: 1800 800 110 enquiries@ndis.gov.au Outer Eastern Suburbs LAC: 1800 242 696 outer.east.melbLAC@ndis.gov.au Inner Eastern Suburbs LAC: 1800 242 696 inner.east.melbLAC@ndis.gov.au Early Childhood PartnerLink Health & Community: 1800 546 532 ECEI.LINK.LCHS@ndis.gov.au NeuroKinship Winter 2023

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“Being normal is being completely unique because nobody’s the same.

Normal, honey?

Who is she, anyway?”

-Jonathan van ness-

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Neuroaffirming Services: Community Recommendations BUILDING BETTER BRAINS Therapeutic Services 58 Main Street, Croydon buildingbetterbrainsenquiries@gmail.com (03) 8719 1218

BURKE AND BEYOND Vocational and Independent Living Skills Blackburn, Dandenong, Pakenham, Ringwood www.burkeandbeyond.org.au admin@burkeandbeyond.org.au (03) 9886 1111

POSITIVE WELLBEING PSYCHOLOGY Psychological Services 64 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern Boutique psychology practice, Malvern info@positivewellbeingpsychology (03) 9939 2111

BLOSSOM PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY Paediatric Physio Croydon Medical Centre and Mobile Service hello@blossomphysio.com.au 0492 977 372

SPECTRUM HOUSE PSYCHOLOGY Developmental Psychology Level 1, Suite 1, 50 New Street Ringwood Level 1, 218-220 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn info@spectrumhouse.net (03) 9888 4000 SAFE AND SOUND COUNSELLING Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Adults https://safeandsoundcounselling.com.au/

WHOLE HOME IN MIND Counselling and Therapeutic Decluttering Mobile In-Home Services robyn@wholehomeinmind.com.au 0423 244 589 YOUR NEXT STEPS Support Coordination shannon@yournextsteps.co (03) 8736 1705 NeuroKinship Winter 2023

KUDOS PAEDIATRICS Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics Level 1, Suite 1, 50 New Street, Ringwood (03) 8658 9660 THE LOCAL UMBRELLA Group Programs and Supported Employment Provider Main Street, Croydon www.thelocalumbrella.com.au (03) 8201 7999 VERY HELPFUL CHATS Telehealth Psychology & Assessment Services www.veryhelpfulchats.com.au admin@veryhelpfulchats.com.au (02) 7226 3543 YOUR MIND MATTERS Psychology services 19/270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill, VIC 3168 https://yourmindmatters.net.au/ (03) 9802 4654

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CREATE & CHAT

Fridays 1.00pm-2.30pm An inclusive and accessible gathering of adults focused on crafting, creating and connecting with others Facilitated by AuDHD Art Therapist Emma Morris Hosted at The Local Umbrella, Croydon during afternoon 'quiet hours' Bookings via admin@thelocalumbrella.com.au

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Our Winter Book List

Unmasking Autism by Dr Devon Price Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden The Autism and Neurodiversity Self- Advocacy Handbook by Barb Cook and Yenn Purkis Changing our Minds: How children can take control of their own learning by Naomi Fisher Obsessed: A memoir of my life with OCD by Allison Britz The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon Some Brains by Nelly Thomas The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin NeuroKinship Winter 2023

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What brings light into your life and helps you grow?

What do you create and put out into the world?

What supports you and keeps you strong?

What needs to be let go of in order for you to flourish in this season?

What grounds and nourishes you?

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Navigating Relationships: red flags and safety planning Written by Joab McMicking Joab lives in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, and is a proud neurodivergent father of two neurodivergent kids. Joab works in the field of community services with a special interest in support for ND families and education support. Joab has an eclectic array of skills and experience; from juggling to wine making, and recently delved into the art of horology (watchmaking).

Your home should be your sanctuary. It should be where you regulate and recover and have all your preferred supports ready and waiting. Your favourite chair, your favourite mug, pillow, person or pet.

Sadly, sometimes this isn’t the case, and sometimes, home can even be deadly. The statistics are horrifying, and they show that family violence occurs in every part of society, and on average, takes the life of one woman in Australia every week.

Whatever your education level, whatever your income, sexual orientation, religion or age, anyone can find themselves in a situation that is hurtful and destructive.

Family Violence can be directed towards a domestic partner, between siblings, towards an elder, or a child. It occurs in private, often from someone that we are told should provide security and love, so we suffer silently and keep it secret.

With over one third of women with disabilities in Victoria having experienced some form of intimate partner violence, it is important that people understand when to seek help.

"If you think you are at risk, please seek advice from a specialised family violence worker."

"Whatever your education level, whatever your income, sexual orientation, religion or age, anyone can find themselves in a situation that is hurtful and destructive."

Navigating relationships can be especially difficult for people with a neurodivergence or disability. We can struggle with communication or finding the meaning in what others say and do. We all have a survival instinct that we can call a red flag. If that red flag is raised, without a doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and take action.

The questions and action steps I list below are generalised and barely scratch the surface of what is a very complicated subject. Every human relationship is unique and has to be looked at individually and in context.

If you think you are at risk, please seek advice from a specialised family violence worker.

If you are in danger, please call 000

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A few red flags in intimate relationships: Social isolation. Are you restricted from contact with other people, or does your partner insist on monitoring your social contacts?

Location Monitoring. Does your partner need to know where you are and when you will be home at every minute?

Online monitoring. Does your partner monitor your online presence?

Financial autonomy. Do you have control or even access to your own money?

Physical Violence. Has your partner ever been physically violent towards you, or do they have a history of violence towards other people?

Verbal Abuse. Is your partner verbally abusive towards you or threatened you, or your children or pets?

Feeling scared or nervous when interacting with your partner. This may include 'walking on eggshells' avoiding certain topics, worrying they will react negatively.

next steps you can take: Talk to a professional. Specialised family violence workers can give appropriate advice for your individual situation and what steps you can take.

Have a safe place to go. Get yourself and your loved ones away from harm.

Change your passwords for devices, social media accounts and banking.

Turn off location services on your devices, and remove any unknown apps which could be used to monitor your activity.

Reach out. Talk to your trusted friends and family, let them know what is going on. If you feel isolated, you could share with colleagues at work, teachers or other parents at school, health professionals, even your hairdresser! Describing your situation can both clarify any red flags and find help.

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Be prepared, and develop a safety plan:

Safety Plan Template

Keep an emergency amount of money and copies of essential documents somewhere you can access at any time.

Give your trusted contacts a code word for if things are getting scary. Something that lets them know to step in and get you safe.

Professional Support

Document any instances of violence, threats, controlling behaviours including text messages, videos, voice recordings and journal entries to create a footprint of evidence.

(ARC is a password protected app where you can save and log family instances, documents etc. It enables people to identify patterns of behaviour that make them feel scared, unsafe, undermined or intimidated, record their experiences, and tell their story.)

Services

1800 737 732 -1800RESPECT 24hrs 7 days a week confidential information support and counselling

1800 271 150 - The Orange Door Croydon – Specialised Family Violence Service

1300 78 99 78 - Mensline 1300 360 391 - Child Protection Intake Eastern Division To report concerns for the safety & welfare of a child, including abuse, neglect or exposure to family violence incidents

1800 729 367 - Rainbow Door A free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline that supports individuals and families of all ages and identities with family violence, including intimate partner violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and relationship issues.

There are many support services available in

phone: 1800 729 367 (10am to 6pm, every day) text: 0480 017 246 email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au www.rainbowdoor.org.au

the community. The increased funding going towards family violence services has seen a growth in both specialised services such as The Orange Door and training in identifying and responding to family violence by general community service workers, healthcare professionals and emergency services.

Please remember: Abuse and/or violence in families is dangerous and prevalent, and seldom if ever resolves itself without incident or intervention.

Call 000 if you are in danger

"Abuse and/or violence in families is dangerous and prevalent, and seldom, if ever, resolves itself without incident or intervention."

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Simple Crossword 1

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Word Wheel Find as many words as you can with 3 or more letters.

All words must contain the centre letter.

Target: 135 words

9 Letter Word: _____________________

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Choice Psychosocial & MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Specialists

1300 647 122 www.choicementalhealth.com.au support@choicementalhealth.com.au

At Choice Mental Health, as the name suggests, we specialise in mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation.

Our dedicated team of professionals combine expertise and relationship to empower individuals and families toward their recovery goals. In addition to our multidisciplinary services, we provide safe places for people to connect through classes and groups, free of charge to anyone with an NDIS plan.

Psychosocial Recovery Coaching

Mental Health Support Work

Allied Health Services

Mental Health Groups

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KALEIDESCOPE:

SUPPORTED SOCIAL EVENTS KARAOKE,, BINGO BINGO,, KARAOKE BOARD GAMES, GAMES, BOARD SPEED-FRIENDING,, SPEED-FRIENDING SENSORY PLAY PLAY,, SENSORY POKER,, DISCO DISCO,, POKER VIDEO GAMES GAMES AND AND MORE...

MORE...

VIDEO FRIDAYNIGHTS NIGHTSIN INCROYDON CROYDON FRIDAY ALLABILITIES ABILITIESWELCOME WELCOME ALL AGES 18+ $110PP PPINCLUDES INCLUDESDINNER, DINNER,DRINKS DRINKS& & $110 FACILITATEDACTIVITY ACTIVITYWITH WITHSUPPORT SUPPORT FACILITATED WORKERS WORKERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

BK & Care

Bookings: www.thelocalumbrella.com.au NeuroKinship Winter 2023

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notes & reflections

Prompts: How can I strengthen my supportive networks?

Who could I reach out to for help?

How am I feeling about my diagnosis?

Is there something new I have learned or discovered today?

What expectations have I been holding on to?

What am I grateful for in my life?

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kindness and curiosity

above judgement

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